This Tuesday, Argentina delivered a stellar performance, overwhelming Zambia with a score of 5-0 in a friendly match that took place at the iconic Bombonera Stadium. The goals for Argentina came from Julián Álvarez (4’ 1st half), Lionel Messi (43’ 1st half), Nicolás Otamendi (5’ 2nd half, penalty), Valentín Barco (49’ 2nd half), and an own goal by Dominic Chanda (23’ 2nd half). The visitors failed to find the back of the net.
Lionel Messi stood out as the star player of the match, finishing with one goal, three shots on target, and completing 65 successful passes. His remarkable skill was highlighted when he humiliated his marker with a brilliant nutmeg at the 71st minute.
Another key player for Argentina was Alexis Mac Allister, who showed precision with 58 effective passes throughout the game.
Head coach Lionel Scaloni employed a 4-4-2 formation with Emiliano Martínez in goal; Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Nicolás Otamendi, and Nicolás Tagliafico forming the back line; Alexis Mac Allister, Leandro Paredes, Enzo Fernández, and Thiago Almada in midfield; and Lionel Messi alongside Julián Álvarez in attack.
In contrast, Zambia, managed by George Lwandamina, fielded a 4-5-1 formation with Willard Mwanza in goal; Fredrick Mwimanzi, Tinklar Sinkala, Dominic Chanda, and Obino Chisala in defense; Given Kalusa, Wilson Chisala, Albert Kangwanda, David Simukonda, and Fashion Sakala in the middle; and Kingstone Mutandwa as the lone striker.
The match officiated by Alexis Herrera saw several substitutions as the second half progressed.
Substitutions for Argentina
52’ 2nd half – Alexis Mac Allister out for Rodrigo De Paul
53’ 2nd half – Nicolás Tagliafico out for Nicolás González and Leandro Paredes out for Valentín Barco
69’ 2nd half – Nicolás Otamendi out for Lucas Martínez Quarta and Julián Álvarez out for Giuliano Simeone
73’ 2nd half – Enzo Fernández out for Máximo Perrone, Thiago Almada out for Nicolás Paz, and Emiliano Martínez out for Juan Musso
Substitutions for Zambia
59’ 2nd half – Kingstone Mutandwa out for Owen Tembo and Given Kalusa out for Patson Daka
60’ 2nd half – Fashion Sakala out for Chanka Zimba
76’ 2nd half – Albert Kangwanda out for Pascal Phiri
87’ 2nd half – Fredrick Mwimanzi out for Fredrick Mulambia and Wilson Chisala out for Khondwani Chiboni
Yellow Card for Zambia:
43’ 2nd half – Owen Tembo (Unsporting Behavior)
This comprehensive victory enhances Argentina’s confidence ahead of their upcoming matches, while Zambia will look to regroup after a challenging encounter.